Lighting Fixture Position Sensor Eliminates Mechanical Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stage projectors are expensive, complex, and require a reset procedure for movable elements upon switching on, necessitating mechanical locking devices to prevent collisions.

Innovation Solution

A lighting fixture with a position sensor using a linear transducer and detection module that monitors the displacement of movable elements even when not powered, eliminating the need for continuous power and mechanical locking devices by calculating absolute displacement based on slider position along a path, allowing continuous monitoring without power and avoiding reset procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical locking devices are used to prevent collisions during reset procedure, then safety is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical locking devices with an electronic control system that uses a position sensor to detect the movable element's location and a control unit to limit its excursion range. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical locks while maintaining collision prevention, thereby reducing device complexity and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit automatically limits the movable element's excursion based on pre-configured safe positions, eliminating the need for external mechanical locking mechanisms. The system self-regulates the movable element's range of motion through electronic control, improving safety without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical locking devices are used to prevent collisions during reset procedure, then safety is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical locking devices with a lightweight electronic control system comprising a position sensor and control unit. This electronic system maintains safety by electronically limiting the movable element's range of motion, significantly reducing the overall weight of the lighting fixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If continuous power supply is used to monitor position, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The position sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, taking measurements at relevant moments (such as during movement phases) while remaining inactive during stationary periods. This periodic operation maintains adequate position monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in a lighter, more economical lighting fixture that prevents collisions by limiting movable element excursion through control unit configuration, eliminating the need for mechanical locking devices and allowing continuous monitoring without auxiliary power, thus enhancing safety and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a linear transducer configured to move the slider along a path by a linear displacement proportional to an angular displacement of the rotary actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear transducer mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

a detection module for detecting the position of the slider along the path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10488024B2Lighting fixture and related control method

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 CLAY PAKY SPA

AI summary

A lighting fixture comprising:at least one movable element;at least one rotary actuator coupled to the movable element to move the movable element;a position sensor comprising a linear transducer coupled to the rotary actuator and comprising a slider; wherein the linear transducer is configured to move the slider along a path by a displacement proportional to an angular displacement of the rotary actuator; the position sensor comprising a detection module for detecting the position of the slider along the path; the position sensor being configured to calculate the absolute displacement of the movable element based on the detected position of the slider along the path; preferably the path extending along an axis.